Toilet flushing assembly

ABSTRACT

A toilet flushing assembly ( 500 ) comprising an actuating device ( 600 ) installable within the toilet tank ( 200 ) and an initiating device ( 700 ) accessible from outside the toilet tank ( 200 ). The flush-actuating device ( 600 ) comprises an electric motor ( 610 ) that converts a passageway ( 620 ) between a rest condition and a flush condition. The flush-initiating device ( 700 ) initiates operation of the flush-actuating device ( 600 ), preferably in either a light-flush mode or heavy-flush mode, depending upon the deposit made in the toilet bowl.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority under 35 USC §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/423,958 filed on Dec. 16, 2010. The entire disclosure of this earlier application is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

A toilet commonly comprises a flushing assembly that allows selective flushing of deposits from the bowl receptacle. In a gravity-fed toilet, for example, the flushing assembly opens an exit port in the toilet tank to release a predetermined amount of flush water into the toilet bowl. Once this water-releasing step is completed, the flushing assembly re-closes the exit port and the toilet tank refills in preparation for the next flush.

SUMMARY

A toilet flushing assembly is provided that does not depend upon a flapper-type valve to open/close an exit port in a toilet tank thereby eliminating water waste caused by flapper leakage. Additionally or alternatively, the toilet flushing assembly is compatible with dual-flush operation whereby water can be used expeditiously without a compromise in flushing quality. Moreover, the toilet flushing assembly lends itself to retrofitting existing toilets whereby water-conservation objectives may be obtained with minimal parts investment, insignificant labor outlay, and without re-plumbing of existing water/sewer lines.

DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a toilet 100 connected to a water supply line 102 and a sewer discharge line 103.

FIG. 2 shows the toilet tank 200.

FIG. 3 shows the toilet bowl 300.

FIGS. 4A-4B show the toilet's filling assembly 400.

FIGS. 5A-5B show the toilet's flushing assembly 500.

FIGS. 6A-6K show the flush-actuating device 600.

FIGS. 7A-7B show the flush-initiating device 700.

FIG. 8 shows the electrical connection cable 800.

FIGS. 9A-9E show a kit 900 and a method of retrofitting an existing toilet 1000.

DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings, and initially to FIG. 1, a gravity-fed toilet 100 is shown connected to water supply line 102 and a sewer line 103. The toilet 100 includes a tank 200 that stores flushing water and a bowl 300 into which deposits are placed. The tank 200 is connected to the water supply line 102 and the bowl 300 is connected to the sewer line 103.

As shown in FIG. 2, the tank 200 can have a reservoir 210 formed by a wall structure 220. A fill-water port 221 is provided for plumbing to the supply water line 102 and a flush-water exit 222 is provided for connection to the tank bowl 300. The wall structure 220 also has a handle hole 223 which, in a traditional toilet design, is used for installation of a flush lever. The water level in the tank reservoir 210 is intended to be maintained at a height corresponding to a fill line 230. In the illustrated embodiment, the wall structure 220 comprises a conventional cistern 240 and a conventional removable cover 250.

As shown in FIG. 3, the bowl 300 can have a receptacle 310 formed by wall structure 320. A sewer port 321 is provided for plumbing to the sewer line 103 and a flush-water entrance 322 is provided for connection with the tank's flush water exit 222. The receptacle 310 and the sewer discharge line 103 can be connected by a siphoning passageway 330.

As shown in FIGS. 4A-4B, the toilet 100 additionally comprises a filling assembly 400 that maintains water within the toilet tank reservoir 210 so it correlates with the fill level 230. The filling assembly 400 can comprise a valve 410 connected to the tank supply port 221 (and thus the water supply line 102). The valve 410 opens/closes depending upon the level of a float 420. When water within the tank 200 is at the fill level 230 (FIG. 4A), the valve 410 is closed. And when water is below the fill level 230, the valve 410 is open to refill the tank 200 in preparation for the next flush.

As shown in FIGS. 5A-5B, the toilet 100 further comprises a flushing assembly 500 including an actuating device 600, an initiating device 700, and an electrical connection cable 800. The device 600 actuates the flushing action and the device 700 selectively initiates the flush-actuating device 600. The cable 800 electrically connects the device 700 to the flush-actuating device 600 so that flush-initiating signals can be sent thereto.

The flush-actuating device 600 comprises an electric motor 610 installable within the reservoir 210 of the toilet tank 200. The motor 610 can provide rotary motion via a rotating shaft. And the electric motor 610 can be reversible so as to turn both in a clockwise direction and counterclockwise direction.

Activation of the electric motor 610, via the flush-initiating device 700, converts a passageway 620 between a flush condition (FIG. 5A) and a rest condition (FIG. 5B). In the flush condition, liquid within the tank reservoir 220 is conveyed through the passageway 620 to the toilet bowl receptacle 310 (through tank outlet 222 and bowl inlet 322). And in the rest condition, liquid within the tank reservoir 210 is not conveyed through the passageway 620.

The passageway 620 can have an inlet 621 for communication with the tank reservoir 210 and an outlet 622 for communication with the toilet bowl receptacle 310. When the passageway 620 is in the flush position, the inlet 621 is situated in a flush position at or below the fill line 230 and water flows therethrough. (FIG. 5A.) When the passageway 620 is in the rest condition, the inlet 621 is situated in a rest position above the tank's fill line 230. (FIG. 5B.) The inlet 621 can move generally downward when moved from the rest position to the flush position and it can move generally upward when moved from the flush position.

Turning now to the sixth set of drawings (FIGS. 6A-6K), and initially to FIGS. 6A-6D, the passageway 620 can be formed by a conduit that is extendible-retractable in a generally vertical direction. When the inlet 621 is in the flush position, the conduit is retracted. (FIG. 5A.) When the inlet 621 is the flush position, the conduit is extended. (FIG. 5B.)

The conduit can comprise, for example, a bellowed tube having pleats that contract-expand during retraction-extension. The passageway 620 can have its inlet 621 wider than its outlet 622 to encourage flow therethrough when in the flush condition. A fill tube can be provided to fill the passageway 620 between flushes to avoid the creation of an air pocket therein.

The flush-actuating device 600 can also comprise a drive arrangement 630 that transmits motion from the electric motor 610 to the passageway 620. The drive arrangement 630 can comprise a drive screw 631 and a drive nut 632 engaged therewith. The drive screw 631 is rotated by the electric motor 610 and it can extend through the passageway 620.

The drive screw 631 rotates in one direction (e.g., clockwise) when the motor 610 is converting the passageway 620 from the rest condition to the flush condition. And it rotates in an opposite direction (e.g., counterclockwise) when the motor 610 is converting the passageway 620 from the flush condition to the rest position. The drive nut 632 linearly moves along the length the drive screw 631 in response to rotation.

The drive nut 632 is mounted relative to the passageway 620 so as to cause movement of the inlet 621 between the rest and flush positions. To this end, the drive nut 632 can be part of a cap 633 secured to the inlet 621. The cap 633 can comprise a rim 634 and spaced-apart spokes 635 extending radially inward therefrom to support the drive nut 632. Spaces between the spokes 635 form flow channels into the inlet 621. The cap 633 can include a port 636 in one the spokes 635 for receipt of a fill tube.

A fitting 640 defines a passage 641 from the passageway 620 to the flush-water exit port 222 in the toilet tank 200. The fitting 640 can comprise an upstream nib 642, a downstream nib 643, and a radial ledge 644 therebetween. The upstream nib 642 is attached to the outlet 622 of the passageway 620 and the downstream nib 643 is attached to the tank's exit port 222.

A pedestal 650 can be provided to elevate the electric motor 610 above the fill level 230 in the toilet tank 200. The pedestal 650 forms a central corridor 651 in which the passageway 620, the drive screw 631, and the drive nut 632 (and thus the cap 633) are located. The fitting 640 is located at the bottom end of the corridor 651.

The pedestal 650 can comprise four legs 652 that surround the corridor 651 and extend upwardly from the fitting 640. Each leg has a head 653 attached to a motor-housing component (namely a podium 660 introduced below) and a foot 654 attached to the radial ledge 644 of the fitting 640. Bracing arms 655 can extend between pairs of legs 652.

A motor-housing podium 660 (having a compartment 661 for the motor 610) can be situated above the fill level 230 of the tank reservoir 210. The podium's floor 662 can be attached to the pedestal legs 652 and it can include openings and projections (shown but not specifically numbered) for accommodation of the motor 610 and related components. For example, the upper end of the drive screw 631 can extend therethrough. The compartment 661 can be covered with an upper platform 663.

A gear arrangement 670 can be provided in train with the rotating shaft of the motor 610. For example, a relatively small-diameter gear 671 can be directly turned by motor's shaft and a larger-diameter gear 672 can be meshed therewith. The gear arrangement 670 can also be housed within the podium 660.

A battery station 680 powers the electric motor 610 and can comprise a terminal dock 681 and batteries 682 installed therein. The battery station 680 in the illustrated embodiment is parked on the upper platform 663 of the podium 660. The device 600 can be designed for use of one or more electrochemical batteries 682, such as six AA batteries. A cover 683 can be provided for the terminal dock 651.

The battery station 680 is easily accessible for battery receipt and/or battery replacement. Specifically, for example, upon removal of the lid 250 from the cistern 240, the battery station 680 is easily accessible and above the water level 230. Used batteries can easily be removed from the dock 681 and replaced with fresh batteries.

A controller 690 can be programmed so that, upon initiation, the electric motor 610 converts the passageway 620 from the rest condition to the flush condition and then, after a predetermined time period, returns the passageway 620 to the rest condition. The controller 690 can be housed in the podium 660 with the electric motor 610 and the gear arrangement 670.

The predetermined time period can always be the same, or the controller 690 can allow a selection of one of a plurality of flush-magnitude time periods. For example, the controller 690 can allow selection of a light-flush time period and a heavy-flush time period, depending upon the magnitude of flushing capacity necessary. In this manner, water is conserved because heavy-flush time periods (i.e., maximum capacity flushes) are only used when appropriate.

The light-flush time period can correspond to conveyance of less than 3 gallons of water, less than 2 gallons of water, less than 1.6 gallons of water, and/or less than 1 gallon of water through the passageway 620. The heavy-flush time period can correspond to the conveyance of more gallons (e.g., at least twice, at least thrice, etc.) through the passageway 620 than the light-flush time period. The heavy-flush period can allow conveyance of 1.6 or less gallons through the passageway 620.

The controller 690 and its programming allow the flush-actuating device 600 to selectively operate in both a light-flush mode (with a light-flush time period integrated into the flush cycle) and a heavy-flush mode (with a heavy-flush time period integrated into the flush cycle).

Turning now to FIGS. 7A-7B, the flush-initiating device 700 includes at least one trigger 710/720 which, upon user input, initiates operation of the flush-actuating device 600. Preferably the flush-initiating device 700 includes a plurality of triggers and, more preferably, these triggers include a light-flush trigger 710 and a heavy-flush trigger 720. When the light-flush trigger 710 is initiated, the flush-actuating device 600 operates in the light flush mode. And when the heavy-flush trigger is initiated, the flush-actuating device 600 operates in the heavy flush mode.

Each trigger 710/720 can include an input element 711/721 which, upon input, instigates a switch 712/722. For example, the input element 711/712 can be depressed to cause closure of the switch 712/722. Closure of the respective switch 712/722 sends a signal to the flush-actuating device 600 via the cable 800. The input elements 711/721 are located outside the tank 200 in the same location as the lever handle in a traditional toilet design.

The illustrated flush-initiating device 700 comprises a casing 730 forming a chamber for containment of the triggers 710/720. The casing 730 comprises a front part 731 and a back part 732 which are joined together in a shell-like fashion. An interface frame 733 and a circuit board 734 are situated inside the shell parts 731-732.

The front part 731 includes a window 735 and the interface frame 733 includes an aligned window 736. The trigger switches 712/722 are mounted on the circuit board 734 and positioned within the perimeters of the windows 735 and 736. The shell back part 733 can include a cove 737 for cradling of the circuit board 734 and a post-aligned aperture 738.

The trigger input elements 711 and 721 can be mounted on a stage 740 which is insertable into the front-shell window 735. The stage 740 can be secured to the casing 730 by a scaffold 750 secured thereover. The scaffold 750 can have windows 751 and 752 for exposing the trigger input elements 711 and 721.

Accordingly, the trigger elements 711 and 721 can be input (e.g., pushed and/or pressed) from outside of the casing 730 and still interface with the trigger switches 712 and 722 inside the casing 730.

The flush-initiating device 700 can further comprise an externally threaded post 760, a bung 770, and an internally threaded bushing 780. The post 760 extends rearward from the back shell part 733 (in alignment with aperture 738) and may (or may not) be formed in one piece with the shell part 733. It is sized and shaped for insertion through the handle hole 223 of the toilet tank 200.

The bung 770 is insertable into the post 760 for safe receipt therein. The bung 770 includes a circuit pad 771 on one end that interacts with the board 734 within the casing 730. The opposite end of the bung 770 is engagable with the cable 800.

The bushing 780 is adapted to reside within the toilet tank 200 and abut against its interior surface. The bushing 780 is removably secured to the post 760 (e.g., threaded) to suspend the casing 730 outwardly from the handle hole 223.

As was indicated above, the cable 800 electrically connects the flush-actuating device 600 and the flush-initiating device 700. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, and as shown in FIG. 8, the cable 800 has one connector end 810 for connection to the connector 663 in the podium 660 of the flush-actuating device 600 and another connector end 820 for connection to the post 760 and/or bung 770 of the flush-initiating device 700. The electrical connectors 810 and 820 are preferably designed for easy and/or quick connect and disconnect.

To use the toilet 100, a deposit is made in the bowl receptacle 310 and then the flush-initiating device 700 is initiated. After such initiation, the flush-actuating device 600 is automatically actuated to flush the deposit down the sewer line 103. If the toilet 100 has a dual-flush design, the light-flush trigger 710 is instigated after a light-flush deposit and the heavy-flush trigger 720 is instigated after a heavy-flush deposit.

The flushing assembly 500 and/or the flush-actuating device 600 can certainly be provide in new tanks 200 and/or new toilets 100 as initially purchased by consumers. If so, new tank designs are not necessary whereby a toilet manufacturer can continue using traditional sources for such materials. And the flushing assembly 500 and/or the flushing-actuating device 600 may also accommodate new tank configurations that become popular and/or necessary.

As shown in the ninth set of drawings (FIGS. 9A-9E), the flushing assembly 500 can also be provided in a kit 900 for the retrofitting of an existing toilet 1000. This kit 900 could include the flush-activating device 600, the flush-initiating device 700, and/or the cable 800. The existing toilet 1000 could include a flapper-flush-actuating device 1600 and a lever device 1700.

In a method of retrofitting the toilet 1000, the existing flapper device 1600 and the existing lever device 1700 are removed. The flush-actuating device 600 is then installed by coupling the fitting 640 to the water-exit port 222. The flush-initiating device 700 is installed by inserting the post 740 through the handle hole 223 and then securing it in place with the fastener 741. The cable connector 810 can then be connected to the podium connector 663 and the cable connector 820 can be connected to the post 760 and/or bung 770.

One may now appreciate that the toilet flushing assembly 500 does not depend upon a flapper-type valves, is compatible with dual-flush operation, and/or easily lends itself to retrofitting existing toilets. Although the toilet 100, the tank 200, the bowl 300, the tank-filling assembly 400, the flushing assembly 500, the flush-actuating device 600, the flush-initiating device 700, and/or the cable 800 have been shown and described with respect to a certain embodiment or embodiments, it is obvious that equivalent alterations and modifications will occur to others skilled in the art upon the reading and understanding of this specification and the annexed drawings. 

1. A flush-actuating device for a toilet tank comprising an electric motor installable within a reservoir of the toilet tank; wherein activation of the electric motor converts a passageway between a flush condition, whereat liquid within the tank reservoir is conveyed therethrough to a toilet bowl receptacle, and a rest condition, whereat liquid within the tank reservoir is not conveyed through the passageway to the toilet bowl receptacle; and wherein the electric motor is battery-powered.
 2. A flush-actuating device as set forth in claim 1, wherein the electric motor is reversible and comprises a rotating shaft that can rotate in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions.
 3. A flush-actuating device as set forth in claim 1, wherein the passageway has an inlet for communication with the tank reservoir and an outlet for communication with the toilet bowl receptacle; and wherein: when the passageway is in the flush condition, the inlet is situated in a flush position whereat liquid is received from the tank reservoir and conveyed through the passageway to the outlet; and when the passageway is in the rest condition, the inlet is situated in a rest position whereat liquid is not received from the tank reservoir.
 4. A flush-actuating device as set forth in claim 3, wherein the inlet moves generally downward as the passageway is converted from the rest condition to the flush condition; wherein the inlet moves generally upward when the passageway is converted from the flush condition to the rest condition; wherein the inlet is situated above the fill line in the toilet tank reservoir when in the rest position; and wherein the inlet is situated below the fill line in the toilet tank reservoir when in the flush position.
 5. A flush-actuating device as set forth in claim 1, wherein the passageway is formed by an extendable-retractable conduit; wherein when the inlet is in the rest position, the conduit is extended; and wherein when the inlet is in the flush position, the conduit is retracted.
 6. A flush-actuating device as set forth in claim 5, wherein the conduit comprises a bellowed tube having pleats that contract during retraction and expand during extension.
 7. A flush-actuating device as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a drive screw which is rotated by the electric motor; wherein the drive screw rotates one direction when the motor is converting the passageway from the rest condition to the flush condition and rotates an opposite direction when the motor is converting the passageway from the flush condition to the rest position.
 8. A flush-actuating device as set forth in claim 7, wherein the drive screw extends through the passageway.
 9. A flush-actuating device as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a fitting, a pedestal, and a podium; wherein the fitting has an upstream nib attached to an outlet of the passageway and downstream nib for attachment to a flush-water exit port in a toilet tank. wherein the pedestal extends between the fitting and the podium and forms a corridor for the conversion of the passageway between the rest and flush conditions; and wherein the podium is situated so as to be above the fill level of the toilet tank reservoir and has a compartment for the electric motor and battery station for receipt of motor-powering batteries.
 10. A flush-actuating device as set forth in claim 9, further comprising a drive screw which is rotated by the electric motor in one direction when the motor is converting the passageway from the rest condition to the flush condition and rotates an opposite direction when the motor is converting the passageway from the flush condition to the rest position.
 11. A flush-actuating device as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a controller programmed so that, upon initiation, the electric motor converts the passageway from the rest condition to the flush condition and then, after a predetermined time period, returns the passageway to the rest condition.
 12. A flush-actuating device as set forth in claim 11, wherein predetermined period of time is one of a plurality of flush-magnitude time periods, including: a light-flush time period which allows conveyance of less than 3 gallons of water through the passageway; and a heavy-flush time period allows conveyance of more gallons through the passageway than the light-flush time period.
 13. A flush-actuating device as set forth in claim 12, wherein the heavy-flush time period allows the conveyance of at least twice as many gallons through the passageway than the light-flush time period.
 14. A toilet flushing assembly comprising the flush-actuating device set forth in claim 1, and a flush-initiating device for initiating operation thereof, wherein the flush-initiating device is installable outside the toilet tank reservoir and includes a trigger which, upon input, initiates operation of the flush-actuating device.
 15. A toilet flushing assembly as set forth in claim 14, wherein the flush-initiating device includes a plurality of triggers which, upon input, initiate operation of the flush-actuating device at respective flush-magnitude operations; wherein the flush-magnitude operations include: a light-flush operation, whereat the electric motor converts the passageway from the rest condition to the flush condition and then, after a/the light-flush time period, returns the passageway to the rest condition, and a heavy-flush operation, whereat the electric motor converts the passageway from the rest condition to the flush condition and then, after a/the heavy-flush time period, returns the passageway to the rest condition; and wherein the heavy-flush time period is longer than the light-flush time period.
 16. A toilet tank comprising: a tank reservoir; the flush-actuating device set forth in claim 1, wherein the electric motor is installed within the tank reservoir; and a flush-initiating device at least partially installed outside the tank reservoir.
 17. A toilet comprising: a toilet tank including a reservoir; a toilet bowl having a receptacle for connection to a flush-water exit port of the toilet tank; the flush-actuating device set forth in claim 1, wherein the electric motor is installed within the reservoir; and a flush-initiating device is at least partially installed outside the tank reservoir.
 18. A method of using the toilet set forth claim 17, comprising the steps of: depositing a light-flush deposit in the toilet bowl and instigating a light-flush trigger to initiate the flush-initiating device to activate the flush-actuating device in a light-flush mode; and depositing a heavy-flush deposit in the toilet bowl and instigating a heavy-flush trigger to initiate the flush-initiating device to activate the flush-actuating device in a light-flush mode.
 19. A method of installing the flush-actuating device set forth in claim 1 on an existing toilet, said method comprising the steps of: removing an existing flush-actuating device from the tank of the toilet; and installing the flush-actuating device.
 20. A method of installing the toilet flushing assembly of claim 10 on an existing toilet, said method comprising the steps of: removing an existing flush-actuating device from the tank of the toilet; installing the flush-actuating device; removing an existing flush-initiating device from the tank of the toilet; and installing the flush-initiating device. 